NESPY Ceremony Honors School Spirit at Cal State Northridge

Mar 25, 2010

March 25, 2010

Northridge, Calif. - School spirit is alive and well at Cal State Northridge.

Recently more than 300 Matador student-athletes, family and fans joined in the University Student Union for the inaugural NESPY Awards Ceremony. The reviews are in, and the night was full of energy and fun.

"It was wonderful to see our teams, faculty, family, and fans dress up and come together for a night of recognition," said Cody Pearce, track and field alum and creator of the NESPY's.

Each guest was met by Matty the Matador for photos and then enjoyed refreshments prior to the event.

Once the evening began, the Northridge Center was filled with enthusiasm and cheers as the different teams were announced as nominees for their respective awards.

"It was great to see the Matador spirit fill the room as teams and individuals were awarded" said Pearce after the NESPY's had concluded. The photos from the red carpet and the NESPY award ceremony are available for viewing at www.gomatadors.com. Go to the "Inside Athletics" tab and select "Photo Gallery." Additional photos will be added to the Photo Gallery in the weeks ahead.

Below are the winners from the 2010 Inaugural NESPY's at Cal State Northridge.

Congratulations to all the winners and to everyone involved with Cal State Northridge Athletics.

Athletic Trainer of the Year - Dunford Rodill
Men's Team of the Year - Track and Field
Women's Team of the Year - Track and Field
Upset of the Year - Men's Soccer over #3 UC Santa Barbara
Male Athlete of the Year - Eric Vance Volleyball
Female Athlete of the Year - Sherrina Lofton Track and Field
Rookie of the Year - Michael Woodham Track and Field
Overall Student-Athlete of the Year - Eric Vance
Outstanding Academic Service Award - Mandie McConkey
Coach of the Year - Don Strametz
Matador Lifetime Achievement Award -Izzy Gold
Matador Lifetime Achievement Award - Aki Hirota